Pierre Garcon has a plantar plate tear

A foot specialist diagnosed Redskins WR Pierre Garcon with a plantar plate tear in his right foot Wednesday, a source said. His status will continue to be determined on a weekly basis.

The plantar plate is a soft tissue structure that connects the base of the toe and the metatarsal, the long bone that goes to the toe. It cushions the bottom of the metatarsal head, which is why the tear causes Garcon significant pain when he pushes off and sprints.

There is no specific timetable for Garcon’s return, although it could make sense to try to bring him back after the bye week. The Redskins return from the week off on Nov. 18, and five of their final seven games are against NFC East opponents.

The decision to send Garcon to see Dr. Robert B. Anderson was not prompted by a setback. The foot injury just was not getting any better.

Fantasy Impact:

If the foot injury isn't getting any better, it's hard to see how a few more weeks is going to make much of a difference. It's understandable if owners want to cut bait at this point for better option on the waiver wire. Please see our rest of season rankings to see how we value Garcon versus other players at his position. Leonard Hankerson and Santana Moss seem like the best bets in the Washington receiving corps.